Gingerbread Village by Epicure 2013

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After visiting the Gingerbread Village by Epicure last year by chance, I was amazed with what we found inside and this years event is sure to be even better with chefs already madly baking and constructing gingerbread ready to go on display as a part of the Make A Wish Foundation.

Don't be mistaken, this is not your average run of the mill gingerbread. I'm talking about gingerbread construction that would require the average person to consult an architect with precise plans on how to go about creating these artworks without having them collapse under the weight of the icing not to mention the dimensions.

The Gingerbread comes together under the guidance of Asia - Pacific chocolate Master Deniz Karaca along with Epicure's executive pastry chef. The Village will comprise of iconic Melbourne landmarks that will include Luna Park, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne Town Hall, along with many others, as seen last year along with this years 2 new, yet to be disclosed surprise additions.

The Village will be open to the public from the 1st of December to the 14th of December from 10am - 6pm and from the 15th of December to the 24th of December from 10am - 9pm.

Last year our children got so much enjoyment out of the Gingerbread Village we are sure to go back this year. Our favourites were the M.C.G, the Arts Centre, the trams, the water features, the rides at Luna Park. The skill and detail in the gingerbread is outstanding and I think many people will be able to stand back and appreciate the time, effort and skill required to construct this amazing village.

This event is great for all ages and there really is something for everyone to find interest in whether it's the baking of the huge gingerbread slabs, the precise icing, the characters, the design and buildings, construction, the working train and water mill or tasting of the gingerbread.

Entry to the village is free but a gold coin donation is required for the Make - A - Wish foundation. Last year they raised an incredible $14,093.70 which was enough to grant wishes for 2 very sick children. A fabulous effort and one that should be increased this year.

Last year there was a queue waiting outside the Melbourne Town Hall waiting to go and view the gingerbread, however, the queue moved quickly and it was a nice spot to stand and watch the festivities around us.